Improving Life Outcomes for Children With a History of Mental Health Challenges and Trauma

SAMHSA announces the release of a new report, Helping Children and Youth Who Have Traumatic Experiences, which shows that nearly half of the nation’s children have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Children and youth who have experienced traumatic events are at risk of developing serious emotional disturbances or serious mental illness. To address the needs of children and youth, SAMHSA’s Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) promotes treatment and support for children, youth, and young adults who experience serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness. Children who experience trauma and receive treatment through systems of care show significant improvements in their behavioral and emotional health. This framework enhances care coordination across multiple systems that work with children's services.